So, with the guy, it was mostly just the haircut, but, with the two women, there was a big difference in photo quality and makeup as well... the hairdo's helped, but, that is certainly not the only difference between the shots.

TNel:The girls before and after have very little differences other than makeup and lighting. The guys cut isn't impressive and if he paid $150 for that then he probably paid for the 3some also.

The difference in the before and after for the guys is 'Unabomber' vs. 'guy who shaves and has a haircut'.

Both of the guys were scraggly and clearly took no care of their hair. The after has them both cleanshaven (I'd actually guess guy 2 had a straight razor shave), or at least clearly having trimmed the facial hair to 'rugged stubble', as well as going from an Ungroomed mess to something intentional and evenly cut.

The time and attention helps women notice. The fact that these guys bought a 'get laid cut', or had style advice in general, probably boosted their self confidence and self esteem. They probably also had at least a minor wardrobe change. Guy2 is wearing a suit, after all. That's not going to be normal for someone with his 'before' hair.

The barber shop I go to (Weldon Barber; Mill Creek, WA) is kind of a "yuppie" establishment. But on the plus side, young girls work there, they always have sports playing on the TV in the lobby, and they do a damn fine straight razor shave.

TNel:The girls before and after have very little differences other than makeup and lighting. The guys cut isn't impressive and if he paid $150 for that then he probably paid for the 3some also.

The hair style differences DID help (especially the bangs on the 2nd girl, her first picture has way too much forehead)... but, in general I agree, the hairstyle is at best 1/3 of why they look "better' in the after photo.